'I know you despise me; allow me to say, it is because you do not understand me.'

-Elizabeth Gaskell
***

Lucknow, Oudh State,
India, 1854;

Geoffrey let out a spiteful curse as he kicked the dirt under his feet.

Rivulets of sweat traversed down his face and back. He made the futile effort of wiping his brow with a dirtied handkerchief, shielding himself from the wrath of the scorching sun with one hand.

Even if he managed to survive some disastrous ailment, or even war, Geoffrey was pretty convinced that this blasted Indian heat would manage to be the death of him; something that would certainly not help him fulfill his dream of leaving the world with a lasting legacy.

He turned back towards the ekka and handed the driver a coin from his trouser pocket.
The man- a scrawny fellow wearing a turban, gave him a grateful smile before touching the coin to his forehead.

Geoffrey knew better than to decipher the meaning behind his strange action. This entire place was a pothole of perplexing tendencies. And he had long stopped making sense of them.

He then proceeded to make his way inside the precinct, acknowledging the greetings of the guards- all Indians.

It really was as good as they said.
The entire entryway was lined with trees, providing some reprieve from the summer sun. The clanks of his boots, from where they hit the stones, proved somewhat soothing; especially after the dust and gravel he had to deal with in the last few months.

The various buildings weren't as majestic as those back home; but they certainly managed to surpass the other houses he had seen in the neighbourhood. The familiar feeling of longing clawed its way up his throat when he saw his countrymen and women strolling about the complex, passing gentle, welcoming smiles to him.

Finally, someplace that resembled home...It almost made him forget about the tiredness of weeks-long journey.

His vision of a young boy playing with a ball was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a man, no more than a few years older, standing in front of him.

"Good evening, Sergeant. I reckon you had a pleasant journey."

The satirical tone of his statement did not go unnoticed by Geoffrey.

The man was dressed in loose-fitting trousers and a thin white linen shirt, definitely a better choice of wardrobe for this weather than his own military uniform.

"Pardon me for my lack of proper manners. I am Sergeant Peter Smith."

Geoffrey relaxed his doubts and shook his extended hand.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance Sergeant. I am-"

Peter stopped him with a careless wave of his hand.

"I know who you are, Sergeant Berkley. Your father is still revered among our ranks in the third Bengal Native Infantry."

He swept up Geoffrey's small trunk in his own hands and advanced forward, leaving him no choice but to follow.
Geoffrey cast him a sideways glance,

"You said you were from the Bengal Infantry."

Peter nodded leisurely.

"Then, how come you are stationed here?"

His question caused the man to stop in his tracks. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he looked at him.

"Well, you can say I was a lucky cad. Not everyone gets this chance, Sergeant-"

"Please call me Geoffrey."

Peter smiled before continuing,

"-Geoffrey. Trust me, I did not have an easy time convincing the captain to transfer me to the regiment stationed in the cantonment here."

Geoffrey nodded his head in understanding. Peter was right; they were indeed lucky to be stationed here instead of amongst the natives in the barracks.

"Now, let me show you your quarters."
______________________________________

"Ah! Sergeant Berkeley, we have been awaiting your arrival."

Geoffrey pressed a perfunctory smile on his face after he had saluted the Resident General.

He had not taken long to organise his belongings in the room he was to share with Peter. It was not as bad as the one he had in Bengal, though it could do better with some sense of hygiene from his rather disorderly companion.

But the place had already begun to feel akin to something resembling home and the prospect of spending a few years here did not intimidate him as much as before.

He now stood inside the Resident General's office in the main hall, reporting his presence.

The man, whose face was pink with excitement, stood before him with a pleased look.

"You do look a lot like your father, Sergeant. Lieutenant-Colonel Berkeley will always be one of the best officers we have had. And I am sure you share his zeal and courage."

Geoffrey gave a sincere nod of his head.

"I will do my duty with utmost sincerity, sir."

"Good. I expect nothing less from you. Now, I wanted to give you some time to settle here, but we have got orders from above. I cannot disclose the entirety of the situation; what I can tell you is this- we are going to further strengthen our hold over these people. For that, we need officers like yourself to go and test the waters."

Geoffrey found himself at a loss.

"I am afraid I do not understand, sir."

The General patted the lapel of his uniform and motioned for the native to increase the speed of fanning.

The young boy who had been standing beside them with a morose face, fastened the motion of his little hands. The cloth sewed to the edge of a large wooden pole swayed, causing the welcoming draught of air to hit their faces.

The General gave an agreeable grunt and replied,

"This place is like the bowels of hell, Sergeant- all dark and burning with the sins of its people. We are the crusaders of the Lord. We have undertaken the task of cultivating some semblance of civility here. It is for that simple reason that I need you to embark on another journey.
It will be a short one though.
Rest for tonight. Come to me again tomorrow at noon and I shall brief you about it."
______________________________________

When Geoffrey had been told about his transfer, his peers and officials had congratulated him for it.

It was common knowledge that a posting in the cantonment of the Oudh state, and a lodging in the famed Residency, was something that the soldiers could only dream of.

He also knew that his father probably had had a hand in this.
With his authority still intact, Albert Berkeley had most certainly asked for this small favour from the officials.

For his own part, Geoffrey loathed the influence of his father's legacy on his own life. He loved him dearly and held him in high regard. But he never could escape his shadow.

Back in the Bengal Residency, he had been subjected to the constant perusal of his superiors and peers alike. Everything he did- all his achievements, paled in comparison to his father's. All his actions were subjected to the unfair comparison. And as much as he loved being his father's son, there were moments when he wished for a break from the pressure.

Hence, when he had gotten to know of the transfer, just a few months after his arrival in India, he had viewed it as an opportunity for a fresh start.
Perhaps being away from Bengal would be better for him. He had tried to overlook the jibes of his officials, accusing him of earning favours in the name of his father. He had even ignored the jealous gazes of the other soldiers who would be forever stuck in those humid barracks.

He had definitely not asked for this transfer; but now that he was getting it, he would make sure to be deserving of it.

"I suppose this could be worse."

Geoffrey turned towards Peter, regarding him with a befuddled expression.

"How could you possibly say that? We are going to an autonomous State. There is no certainty about how they would perceive our arrival. We would be at the mercy of their ruler. We don't even have any troops stationed there. How could it possibly be worse than this?"

Peter let out a long whistle.

"You are very good at expressing your displeasure, aren't you?"

Geoffrey raised an annoyed eyebrow.

"What I meant was, that either of us could be doing this alone. It is better because we have been tasked to go on this expedition together. The General has already informed the King there about our arrival. And we do have a Corporal accompanying us."

He twisted his neck to look at the tonga travelling behind them; it occupied a young man with an impassive face, along with a few trunks.

His words soothed some of Geoffrey's nerves.
Peter was right. When the General had briefed him the other day, the knowledge of Peter accompanying him on this journey, had been the only comfort.
They were doing this together.

"Also, these rulers are too keen to please our officials. They like to maintain a good rapport with us. Look at the Nawab of Oudh. He constructed the residency for us. I do not think that this King will be any different. He is just as unsuspecting as others. For him we are simply two British soldiers visiting with the purely diplomatic intent of strengthening our ties with the State and extending a lucrative trade agreement with the Company. Not to mention, the place is no more than a day's journey. We just have to go there, and as the General asked us to- seek as much information about the place, as we can."

Geoffrey willed for Peter to be right. He did not want to consider the opposite.

"Now, tell me of the railways. I heard you spent a month in Bombay too. The last time I was there, they were laying down the tracks. It must be complete by now, I suppose."

Geoffrey shifted on what had to be the world's most uncomfortable seat.

"Ah, yes. But it still is a very short stretch... "

Peter sighed, looking into the distance.

"I wonder when they would make one for the north. I am tired of these long tonga rides. My hunches will be turned to uneven bumps at this rate."

Geoffrey chuckled drily.
He himself missed the comfort of transportation back home. The omnibus, steam boats, railways...
He had seldom acknowledged the luxury of it all. But now, when he had nothing but these wretched horse-led sham of carriages to travel, he could very well appreciate what he had had.

"Let us hope they do that soon."
______________________________________

Bhaddaiyan Raj;

"Maharaj has readied this haveli for your use. It falls within the Palace grounds. He will have a meeting with you tomorrow. For today, he requests you to rest and make yourself comfortable. If you need any assistance, you may call for the guards."

The strapping man who had addressed himself as the Senapati of the State, enunciated his words in a clear voice.

Geoffrey did not miss the wariness in his look.

"Of course. Tell Maharaj that we are grateful for this reception."

Peter's words were smooth, with only the slightest hint of struggle as he spoke.

The man nodded his head and exited, leaving the three alone in the vast hall.

Geoffrey had to agree with Peter. The reception they got here was indeed impressive.
This mansion itself was a sight to behold. It wasn't too big, but it was infused with fine touches.

They had reached their destination in ten hours and had been brought here by the Senapati, who had met them at the gates.

"I wonder if they have spies listening in on us."

The Corporal, William, spoke in a cautious whisper.

Peter turned to him with a sure expression.

"They would never do that, Will. You do not understand these people. They treat their guests akin to God. Ridiculous, I know."

William still looked unsure, but bit back his protest.

"You may go and rest in the room at the end of the hall. Me and Geoffrey will have the ones on the first floor."

Peter's voice was authoritative as he spoke. William immediately straightened up in a salute.

"Yes, Sergeant."

Geoffrey turned to Peter after the other man had hauled his trunks to his room.

"You seem to know a lot about the people and customs here. And you even mastered their language. How long exactly have you been here?"

Peter put down the lamp he had been admiring and faced him with a grin.

"I have been here for as long as I can remember. My father had served in the Company; although, not nearly as influential as your father. He had brought my mother here just after their marriage. I was born on this land. Of course, my parents did not associate much with the locals. However, over the years, I could not help but catch up with most of their customs. And the language comes to you automatically. Do not tell me you came here unprepared."

Geoffrey felt himself flush.

"Of course not. I know the language too; not as good as you, but enough to last me a few years."

They both made their way up the marble stairs.

The mansion- haveli, was indeed beautiful.

"This is a pretty remarkable place. I wonder what the rest of the State looks like."

Peter smirked, letting his trunk fall on the landing with a thud.

"Oh, trust me, my friend. You are in for some delightful surprise."

Geoffrey frowned, surprised by the awareness in his tone.

"You talk like you have been here before."

Peter cast him a knowing glance.
"Indeed, Sergeant. I have. Though not for official reasons."

His words caused Geoffrey to still in his footsteps.

"You have! Why did you not tell me before?"

The other man laughed, dragging his luggage through one of the two doors facing them. In another moment, he stuck his head out and drawled out,

"Have patience. It will all be revealed with time, my friend."
______________________________________

"It was supposed to be a secret. Moreover, I never visited the Palace, you see; only skirted past the State boundary. I did not tell you out of the fear of the fact reaching the General's ears. I do not want to be suspended out of the service for misconduct. No offense Geoffrey, but I could not have trusted you yet."

They had had their dinners and a servant had cleared out the plates. William had retired for the night.

Geoffrey patted his stomach as he listened to Peter.

"That is understandable. But then, what made you tell it to me now?"

Peter took a large sip of water from his glass, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Because you are my friend now."

He spoke it without a pause.
Geoffrey felt himself smiling despite his confusion. He could not deny that statement. In the three days that they had met, he had already begun considering Peter as his friend. Back home, it would probably have been considered a little rushed. But here- in a strange land, friends were few and far between. And he meant to cherish any he could find.

"Alright. But it still doesn't answer the question of why you visited here? And you said you only skirted past..."

Peter donned a smug expression.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to know! I came here for reasons that would be considered too lecherous by some. You see, Geoffrey, Lucknow is a laden with one of the most beautiful courtesans in this land."

Geoffrey's eyes widened with understanding, knowing the direction in which this conversation was probably headed.

"Why! Don't tell me you have yet to make acquaintance with the courtesans here... "

"Of course, I know. "

Geoffrey murmured in annoyance, avoiding Peter's gaze. He had in fact heard a lot about them, but he had never been the one to visit one of their establishments.

"Very well. But- and this is very important- those courtesans pale in front of the sheer divinity of the ones in this State. Also, there are no officials overlooking our amorous liaisons here. They do not even know of its existence. I had the luck of visiting one of these brothels last year, along with some friends- traders. Believe me when I say that it had been one of the most exciting nights of my life."

"I do not think I want to know."

Geoffrey grumbled, wiping his hand on the serviette.

In the very next second, he gave cry of protest, as the serviette was ungraciously snatched from him.
Peter stood in front of him with an almost comical determination on his face.

"This is it. You do not trust me and that is hurting my pride. You will be accompanying me tonight. I will show you exactly what I mean."

Geoffrey stared at him with a bewildered look.

"Are you daft? Of course, I am not going to do that. We are here on an assignment. I am not going to go on some questionable rendezvous with you. Plus, we have just had a ten-hour journey and need to meet the King tomorrow. I need my rest."

His words fell on deaf ears. Peter forcefully pulled him to his feet.

"Oh no, Sergeant. You do not have a say in this. We are already here. Why refuse ourselves the fun part of the visit? I will be taking you out on the best adventure. You will forget about all the demure, young lasses back home, my friend. For I will be showing you the real heaven."
______________________________________

"No, didi, it is not safe. You cannot possibly be thinking of going there!"

Saya glanced shortly at the pleading look on her sister-in-law's face, before returning back to the task of rushing her comb through her hair.

"I have to bhabhi."

She knew there was no other way. Ruqsana would never have sent little Aslam to tell her of the news, if she did not need her there.

Gayatri rushed to stand in front of her.

"I possibly cannot allow you to do that. You know that place is not safe. You know about the unreputable businesses that run in its vicinity. What would someone say if they spotted you there? You are an unmarried girl- a princess. It will bring shame upon the family name."

Saya arranged her tresses in a practiced braid. She knew Gayatri spoke the truth. But she also knew that she had to make an exception for this particular occasion.
If it required sneaking out of the Palace, she would gladly take the risk.

"I know you are worried for me, bhabhi. But you must understand that I need to do this. I will not ask you to lie in my stead. If anyone asks you about my whereabouts, just feign ignorance. And I will make sure to escape without being noticed. I promise."

Gayatri shook her head exasperatedly.

"I am not worried about lying, didi. But this is too risky. What if Maharaj, or your bhaiya find out? How will I be assured of your safety?"

Saya folded her chunni over her head before holding Gayatri by her shoulders. She looked at her with an earnest expression.

"They won't know. And even if they do, I will manage it. Just tell Uma when she returns from the bathhouse; she will know what to do. As for my safety, Aslam is still waiting outside. Don't let his frail form deceive you. He knows each crook and cranny of the place. I will be safe with him."

Gayatri knew she couldn't win this conversation. She sighed resignedly.

"Alright. If you are so adamant...I do not have a choice anyway. But you have to promise to come back as soon as possible. I will not hesitate to send a search party for you."

Saya grinned and threw her arms around her.

"Thank you so much, bhabhi. I promise I will be back as soon as I can."

She pulled back with a grateful expression.
Gayatri looked at her lovingly.

"Then rush. It is already too late. Your bhaiya is in a meeting with the ministers and Maharaj is asleep. Leave before they catch wind of this."

Saya nodded and held the chunni across the lower part of her face, before moving to the balcony of her room. She saw Aslam standing on the opposite side, his face hidden in the shadows of the bushes.

Casting one last, reassuring look at Gayatri, she descended down the small steps and into the gardens beyond. It helped that she had changed into a much simpler ghagra and choli. If anyone spotted her, they would dismiss her as a Palace maid.

Now, all she had to do was to make her way, undetected, to Ruqsana.

Aslam cast a furtive glance around them, searching the vicinity for guards.

"It is all clear, rajkumari."

Saya took a deep breath of determination.

"What are we waiting for then, Aslam? Let us go."

______________________________________

Glossary:

*All conversations in hindi, are Italicised.*

*Resident General- representative of East India Company in the court of the Nawab.
*Oudh- British spelling of Awadh
*Ekka- a small carriage-like vehicle with two wheels that is pulled by a horse.
*Tonga- Anglicised version of tanga (ight carriage or curricle drawn by one horse used for transportation)
*Senapati- hindi title of military commander.
*Haveli- traditional townhouse/ mansion.
*Bhabhi- sister-in-law
*Didi- elder sister ( a woman refers to her sister-in-law by this title in the Oudh region of North India, as a nark of respect, regardless of whether she is elder to her her or younger.)

Author's Note-

Hello to all my wonderful readers!

So, Geoffrey has reached India. We see that he carries the prejudices that his father had instilled in him.

What do you think Peter wants to show Geoffrey?

A photograph of the British Residency of Lucknow is given in the start.
It was made solely for the purpose of housing the Britisher officers and their families, under the rule of Saadat Ali Khan (the 5th Nawab of Oudh).

The first passenger train in India ran between Bombay (Bori Bunder) and Thane on 16 April 1853. So, the railways haven't reached the northern region of the country still.
The main source of transportation was tanga (or Bullock-carts)

P.S. As I've stated before, the updates for this novel will be every Sunday.

Till the next time 👋